Possible Signs of Abuse & Neglect

A total of 1,670 children died in the United States from child abuse or neglect in 2015, and nearly 3/4 of the reported fatalities were 3 years old or younger.

Knowing the warning signs of child abuse can help diminish the abuse, neglect and dependency occurring in Clark County and across the nation.

So, What Are the Forms Of Child Maltreatment?

Abuse may be physical, sexual or emotional in nature. Physical neglect could be a lack of supervision, educational neglect, medical neglect, an unsafe shelter and/or failure to protect a child, such as exposing the child to domestic violence, driving under the influence or other forms of child endangerment.

There is also emotional neglect and dependency. Dependency is when a child lacks the physical and emotional support he or she needs because the parent or guardian is unable to provide it. This leaves the child to fend for him/herself.

Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if under the age of 14

Runs away

Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver

Attaches very quickly to strangers or new adults in their environment

If you notice any of these warning sign in a child’s behavior, speak up! Report any suspected abuse, talk with the child’s parents, see if the child is open to talking about your concerns and address any concerns you may have. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.